Strafford Club
The Strafford Club is a dining club founded by students at the University of St Andrews, and is modelled on similar organisations at other old British universities. It is named after Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford who was executed in 1641 whilst trying to protect his monarch, Charles I.
History
The history of the Strafford Club is shrouded it secrecy. It is believed that club was founded around 1674 after the recent death of Thomas Wentworth by those still loyal to the English Monarchy. However there are also rumours that the club dates even further back, possibly to 1309 when the Knights Templar were retreating from persecution in Europe and helped by the Bishop Lamberton of St. Andrews. There is no believed evidence of this although it is alleged that the club holds significant archives relating to this issue.
Available information indicates that the society existed continuously from its founding until 1881, when Universities hostility towards the Kate Kennedy Procession was at its highest. The Club disappeared completely from university life until 1993 when its membership lists were once again made known.
Purpose
The Club’s purpose is to uphold the notion of Government by constitutional monarchy, both in Great Britain and abroad. It has over 1000 members, both current and former students of St Andrews, as well as academics and distinguished figures who support its aims. It holds regular dinners in St Andrews, London and in Asia, where a number of former members are now based.
Management
The Club is presided over by the Grand Council, headed by the Chancellor, which directs its activities. The current Chancellor is Donald Findlay QC, LLB, MPhil, FRSA, one of Scotland’s leading lawyers and former Lord Rector of the University of St Andrews.
Membership
Membership to the Club is based on invitation only. The requirements and procedure are not known.
Activities
The Strafford Club runs all its charitable activities through its front organization, the Kate Kennedy Club.